Most important takeaways…
- Fort Worth metro NP students can choose from multiple public universities offering FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, and AGACNP tracks.
- Public university tuition in the region is significantly lower than private alternatives, and HRSA and NHSC grants can reduce costs further.
- Major employers like JPS Health Network and Texas Health Resources drive strong NP demand across Tarrant County.
- Texas does not require a DNP for NP practice, so MSN and post-master's certificate pathways remain viable options in 2026.
Fort Worth sits at the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington statistical area, home to more than 7.5 million people and one of the nation's fastest-growing healthcare labor markets. The Texas Board of Nursing reported nearly 18,000 active nurse practitioner licenses statewide in 2025, with a disproportionate share employed in the Metroplex. Major hospital systems including JPS Health Network, Baylor Scott & White, and Texas Health Resources employ hundreds of NPs across primary care, emergency, and specialty settings, yet medically underserved communities in Tarrant County continue to face provider shortages.
Fort Worth-area nurses can choose from programs spanning family, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology primary care and acute care, pediatric, and women's health specialties, delivered through MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate tracks. Those interested in the family track, for example, can explore online FNP programs in Texas that offer hybrid clinical options close to home. Some programs are based in Fort Worth proper; others operate out of Arlington, Dallas, Denton, and Weatherford, all within a one- to two-hour commute. Tuition at public universities in Texas generally runs lower than private and for-profit options, but clinical placement policies and residency requirements vary sharply.
The choice between an MSN and DNP carries practical weight. Texas does not require doctoral preparation for NP licensure, but an increasing number of health systems in the Metroplex have begun to favor or require the DNP for leadership and specialized roles.
NP Programs in the Fort Worth Metro Area
Fort Worth nurses exploring NP education have a strong mix of public university options, from programs right in the Metroplex to online and hybrid tracks offered by institutions across Texas. Because every school on this list is a public university, in-state tuition applies to Texas residents, but net price after grants and aid can vary dramatically, from under $4,000 to over $14,000. The programs below are sorted by estimated net price to help you compare affordability alongside format, specialty breadth, and proximity to Fort Worth clinical sites. Graduation rates cited are institution-wide figures and do not reflect NP program completion specifically.
- Estimated net price after aid
- Program specialty breadth
- Delivery format flexibility
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Regional clinical relevance
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Texas A & M International University
Texas A&M International University delivers a fully online MSN-FNP with total in-state tuition of roughly $17,616 and a reported 100% first-time certification pass rate. The 48-credit curriculum includes two brief on-campus visits per course and 405 clinical hours. A post-master's PMHNP certificate is also available online. With a net price near $3,637 and median graduate debt of $15,000, TAMIU is one of the most budget-friendly public NP options in Texas, though its institution-wide graduation rate sits at about 46.5%.
- 48 credit hours, online with brief campus visits
- In-state tuition approximately $367 per credit
- 405 clinical hours required
- Reported 100% first-time certification pass rate
- Fall and spring start dates available
- Requires BSN, Texas RN license, and one year inpatient experience
- Fully online delivery format
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Requires current FNP credential and two years RN experience
- Fall and spring admission cycles
- Serves diverse patient populations across the lifespan
- Focus on community and telehealth settings
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UT Rio Grande Valley pairs affordable public tuition with a campus-based MSN-FNP, a post-master's FNP certificate, and an accelerated one-year online PMHNP certificate. The estimated net price is about $4,831, and median graduate debt comes in at roughly $12,950, among the lowest on this list. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural community health. UTRGV's institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 50.9%.
- Campus-based program with multicultural community focus
- Graduate Select Scholarship available up to $1,000
- Prepares for advanced practice certification
- Emphasizes critical thinking and collaborative care
- Financial aid and scholarships offered
- Requires BSN for admission
- 15 credit hours with 605 clinical hours
- Requires master's or doctoral nursing degree
- 3.0 GPA minimum and CCNE-accredited prerequisite program
- Focus on primary care across the lifespan
- National certification eligibility upon completion
- Faculty advisor assigned for degree planning
- 100% online, accelerated one-year format
- Includes prescribing and psychotherapy training
- CCNE-accredited program
- Requires MSN degree and current RN license
- Preceptor placement assistance provided
- No application fee
Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers both an MSN-FNP and a post-master's DNP-FNP through its College of Nursing, using a hybrid format that blends online coursework with limited face-to-face sessions. The DNP track is an eight-semester program requiring at least 1,000 total clinical hours. UH's institution-wide graduation rate is about 64.6%, and the school carries an estimated net price near $14,276 for undergraduates, though graduate-level costs differ.
- Hybrid delivery with three concentration options
- Builds on BSN degree with evidence-based focus
- Prepares for advanced practice across the lifespan
- Leadership and educator role preparation
- Clinical application and team collaboration emphasis
- Contact nursing department for current tuition details
- CCNE-accredited, eight-semester program
- Post-master's pathway for working nurses
- 585 additional clinical hours in FNP track
- Minimum 1,000 total clinical hours required
- Two face-to-face days per term
- Portfolio and DNP scholarly project required
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
The University of Texas at El Paso
UT El Paso offers one of the broadest NP specialty menus in the state, spanning FNP, PMHNP, adult-gerontology (primary and acute care), pediatric NP (primary and acute care), and neonatal NP. Programs use a hybrid format with seven-week courses designed for working professionals, and in-state tuition runs about $552 per credit hour. Clinical placements may require travel up to 200 miles. The institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 50.2%, and net price is estimated around $9,403.
- 49 credit hours over seven semesters
- Hybrid format with seven-week course blocks
- In-state tuition approximately $552 per credit
- 775 clinical clock hours required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Fall and spring admission cycles
- 49 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- 675 clinical clock hours across the lifespan
- Weekend face-to-face sessions offered
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- Two admission cycles per year
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- 49 credit hours with 720 clinical hours
- Hybrid online and campus format
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Critical care RN experience required for admission
- Curriculum aligned with AACN Essentials
- Seven-semester completion timeline
- 49 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- 675 clinical hours with simulation lab access
- Prepares for PCNB certification
- Innovative simulation lab experiences included
- Fall and spring start dates
- Flexible seven-week course format
- 77 credit hours, campus-based program
- 765 clinical training hours
- Advanced neonatal assessment and care focus
- Evidence-based interprofessional curriculum
- Policy and advocacy training included
- Comprehensive clinical simulation resources
- Six concentration options available
- Designed for nurses holding an MSN degree
- Accepts both APRN and non-APRN applicants
- Clinical hours range from 630 to 775
- Hybrid and online formats by specialty
- Covers FNP, PNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP tracks
Family Nurse Practitioner with Primary Care Focus (MSN) — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificates — Hybrid
The University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington is the most geographically relevant institution for Fort Worth nurses, sitting right in the heart of the Metroplex. Its College of Nursing offers one of Texas's widest NP portfolios: MSN tracks in FNP, PMHNP, adult-gerontology (primary and acute care), pediatric NP, and neonatal NP, plus multiple post-master's certificates and RN-to-MSN pathways. The flagship online MSN-FNP totals about $30,084 with a locked per-credit rate of $654 and six start dates annually. UTA also partners with the VA North Texas Health Care System on a post-graduate NP residency in primary care and mental health, giving graduates a structured bridge into DFW practice. The institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 54%, and net price is estimated near $13,951.
- 46 credits, fully online with no campus visits
- Total tuition approximately $30,084 with locked rate
- 720 clinical hours with placement assistance
- Six start dates per year in eight-week terms
- Asynchronous delivery for maximum flexibility
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Fully online program format
- Covers children, adults, and older adults
- Medication management and psychotherapy training
- Prepares for ANCC board certification
- Clinical placements with preceptor support
- Collaborative clinical placement process
- Online delivery with clinical placement assistance
- Focus from adolescence through end of life
- Health promotion and chronic condition management
- Prepares for national AGPCNP certification exam
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Study recommendations provided for working nurses
- Online program with full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for national acute care certification
- Complex illness management training
- Texas Board of Nursing recognized
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Flexible study schedule for working nurses
- Fully online, CCNE-accredited accelerated pathway
- Total tuition approximately $38,308
- 81 total credit hours
- Multiple start dates annually
- Clinical experiences in diverse settings
- Prepares for FNP certification exams
- Campus-based program at UT Arlington
- Manages high-risk neonatal care
- Acute and community care settings
- Evidence-based healthcare approach
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Prepares for NNP national certification
- Online, as few as five courses
- Tuition $654 per credit with locked rate
- Gap analysis tailors individual curriculum
- Eight-week course durations
- Board certification eligibility upon completion
- Clinical preceptor assistance available
- Primary care and acute care tracks available
- CCNE accredited, 18 credit hours each
- 100% online with clinical placement assistance
- Prepares for PPCNP-BC or CPNP-AC certification
- Multiple start dates per year
- $654 per credit with tuition guarantee
- Online format, as few as five courses
- Focus on illness prevention and minor acute care
- Board certification preparation
- Eight-week course terms
- Clinical requirements with preceptor support
- Same faculty as on-campus programs
- Campus-based format with Saturday sessions possible
- Individualized degree plans via gap analysis
- Clinical experiences with preceptors
- MSN from accredited program required
- No financial aid for certificate students
- Focus on psychiatric mental health across the lifespan
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
RN to MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
Post-Master's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificates — Online
Post-Master's Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Certificate — Online
Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate — Online
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a deep NP lineup through its School of Nursing, including MSN tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and pediatric NP (both primary and acute care), plus BSN-to-DNP pathways in FNP and PMHNP. Post-graduate certificates span FNP, PMHNP, and adult-gerontology acute care. Programs emphasize rural and underserved care, and clinical hours can often be completed near a student's home. TTUHSC operates as a health sciences center, so standard institution-wide graduation rate data is not reported.
- 48 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Fall and spring admission terms
- Minimum 3.0 GPA and one year RN experience required
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Emphasis on rural and underserved populations
- 49 credit hours, 100% online coursework
- Clinical hours completed in home area
- Telemental health training included
- Focus on rural behavioral health access
- Full-time or part-time study options
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- 49 credit hours, hybrid online and campus format
- Requires two years pediatric RN experience
- PALS certification required for admission
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Holistic admission review process
- Fall and spring start dates
- 51 credit hours, hybrid delivery
- Two years pediatric experience required
- Prepares for CPNP acute care exam
- CCNE accredited program
- Official campus visits required periodically
- Holistic admissions review
- Direct BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Hybrid online and on-campus format
- Meets AACN and NONPF standards
- Supervised clinical experiences
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Faculty interview required for admission
- Professional doctorate with hybrid delivery
- National certification preparation
- 3.0 GPA preferred for admission
- Valid RN license and BLS certification required
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Direct pathway from BSN to practice doctorate
- Hybrid format for MSN holders
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- One year RN experience required
- Transfer credit may be accepted
- Serves rural and underserved settings
- Financial aid options available
- 100% online coursework with local clinicals
- Up to 30 credit hours
- Rural health and telemental health focus
- Dual DNP option available
- Individualized study plans
- Certification exam eligible upon completion
- 36 credit hours, hybrid format
- Requires one year ICU or ER experience
- ACLS or PALS certification needed
- Occasional travel to Lubbock campus
- CCNE accredited
- Culturally sensitive care focus
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Graduate Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Certificate — Hybrid
The University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin's School of Nursing offers a campus-based DNP-level Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program that prepares nurses to manage complex and critical conditions in patients from birth to age 21. The program features hands-on skills labs, simulation experiences, and expert faculty. Applicants need a BSN and two years of full-time RN experience. While there is no Fort Worth cohort, the program's statewide reputation and PNCB certification eligibility make it worth considering for nurses willing to travel to Austin for campus requirements. The institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 88.9%, and estimated net price is around $19,857.
- Campus-based program at UT Austin
- Covers birth to age 21 patient populations
- Includes skills labs and clinical simulations
- Expert-led lectures and doctorally prepared faculty
- BSN required with two years full-time RN experience
- Prepares for PNCB certification eligibility
- Meets national APRN curriculum guidelines
DNP Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Texas A & M University-College Station
Texas A&M University's College of Nursing in College Station runs a 48-credit hybrid MSN-FNP plus an online 26-credit post-graduate PMHNP certificate. The FNP track allows clinical hours to be completed locally, which works well for Fort Worth-area students, and coursework is mostly online with limited campus visits. Admission requires 1,500 BSN practice hours, a 3.0 GPA, and Texas residency. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 83.9%, and estimated net price is approximately $21,315.
- 48 credit hours, hybrid delivery over six semesters
- Clinical hours completed in student's local area
- Synchronous and asynchronous online options
- Full-time and part-time pathways available
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Requires 1,500 BSN practice hours and Texas residency
- 26 credit hours, fully online
- Requires active Texas RN license and graduate nursing degree
- Covers family psychiatric health across the lifespan
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- Application via NursingCAS system
- Fall term start with priority and rolling deadlines
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
UTHealth Houston's Cizik School of Nursing offers a hybrid MSN-FNP, BSN-to-DNP tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP, plus post-graduate certificates in FNP, PMHNP, and adult-gerontology primary care NP. Clinical experiences are anchored in the Texas Medical Center. Students must hold a Texas nursing license and reside in Texas before classes start. Institution-wide graduation rate data is not reported for this health sciences center.
- Hybrid format with online and campus components
- Requires 3.0 GPA and one year clinical experience
- Texas residency and nursing license required
- Rolling admissions for spring and fall starts
- Interview and NCAS application required
- Post-graduate FNP completion option also available
- 79 credit hours over 10 semesters
- 1,140 total clinical hours
- Hybrid format with primary care focus
- Scholarships available
- High first-time certification pass rate reported
- Spring and fall admission cycles
- Hybrid learning model over 10 semesters
- 100% first-time pass rate reported
- Focus on psychotherapeutic techniques
- Clinical rotations in Texas Medical Center
- HRSA traineeships and scholarships available
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
- CCNE accredited, 79 credit hours
- 10-semester program with hybrid curriculum
- Clinical experience at Texas Medical Center
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification exam
- Enrollment coaches available for support
- Full-time and part-time options
- 33 to 39 credit hours, hybrid format
- Three-year completion limit
- Focuses on psychopharmacotherapy and therapy techniques
- Covers lifespan individuals, groups, and families
- Variety of clinical settings for rotations
- Requires master's degree in nursing
- Unique Texas-based ENP specialty track
- 10 credit hours, mostly online
- $10,000 student stipends available
- Two enrollment pathways offered
- Two- to three-semester completion
- Practice preparation for emergency departments
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate — Hybrid
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (Post-Graduate) — Hybrid
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
UTMB's School of Nursing in Galveston provides MSN tracks in FNP, adult-gerontology (primary and acute care), and neonatal NP, plus BSN-to-DNP options including Texas's only dual FNP and AGACNP track. The hybrid format keeps most coursework online with two to three campus days per semester and small class sizes. Clinical placement support focuses on the Houston and Galveston corridor, though practicums can be arranged in a student's home region. Institution-wide graduation rate data is not reported for this health sciences center.
- 49 credit hours over seven semesters, part-time
- Hybrid online with two to three campus days per semester
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted
- Small class sizes for individualized attention
- Fall admission only, CCNE accredited
- 49 credit hours, 14 courses over seven semesters
- Hybrid delivery with clinical placement support
- Holistic family and community health focus
- Leadership immersion opportunities offered
- Experienced and innovative faculty
- Cost-effective problem-solving skills emphasis
- Hybrid format over seven semesters
- One year acute care RN experience required
- BLS and ACLS certification needed
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Advanced pharmacology and geriatric syndromes covered
- Small class sizes for personalized learning
- 75 credit hours over 12 semesters, CCNE accredited
- 1,020 total clinical hours
- One campus visit per semester
- Scholarly practice project required
- Faculty advisors assigned for DNP project
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted
- Only dual FNP-AGACNP track in Texas
- 87 credit hours over 13 semesters
- 1,380 total clinical hours
- Prepares for ANCC, AANP, and AACN certification
- ICU or acute care experience highly preferred
- Small interactive class sizes with peer learning
- Hybrid format, starts each spring semester
- 540 total clinical hours across three courses
- FNP-to-AGACNP and AGPC-to-AGACNP pathways
- Requires MSN degree and APRN authorization
- Credit hours vary by individual course plan
- Advances acute care competencies for experienced NPs
- Seven-semester part-time program
- Hybrid online and campus learning
- Two or more years RN experience required
- Advanced clinical simulation labs
- National NNP certification eligibility
- Clinical placement support provided
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Dual FNP and AGACNP — On-Campus
Post-MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Certificate — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
NP Specialties Available in Fort Worth
Nurse practitioner specialties are distinct clinical focus areas, each requiring its own coursework, clinical hours, and national certification. The Fort Worth metro area and surrounding cities offer a broad range of these specialty tracks, though availability varies by school and degree level.
Common Specialty Tracks in the Region
Fort Worth-area institutions and nearby universities typically offer some combination of the following NP concentrations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): The most widely available track, offered at multiple schools in MSN and DNP formats. FNP programs prepare you to treat patients across the lifespan in primary care settings.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Growing in demand and increasingly offered at area schools. PMHNP tracks focus on diagnosing and managing mental health conditions across populations.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP): Focused on adult and aging populations in outpatient and community settings.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP): Prepares NPs for hospital-based and critical care roles with adult and older adult patients.
- Pediatric NP (PNP): Concentrates on care for infants, children, and adolescents. Fewer programs in the immediate Fort Worth area offer this track, though options exist within commuting distance.
- Women's Health NP (WHNP): Covers reproductive and gynecological health. Like PNP, this specialty may require looking slightly beyond Fort Worth proper.
Schools such as TCU, Texas Wesleyan, UTA, TWU, and UNT Health Science Center each maintain their own mix of specialty offerings, and these can shift from year to year as programs expand or restructure. Verifying nursing program accreditation before you commit is always a smart first step.
How to Verify Current Offerings
Program availability changes more often than you might expect. A specialty listed on a school's website one semester may pause admissions or add new tracks the next. Here are practical steps to stay current:
- Visit each school's nursing program website directly. Look for pages labeled "MSN Concentrations" or "DNP Specialties" rather than relying on third-party directories, which can lag behind.
- Call or email the admissions office or a program coordinator. A quick conversation can confirm whether a specialty is actively enrolling, whether it is offered at the MSN level, the DNP level, or both, and whether a post-master's certificate option exists.
- Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) for broader context on NP specialties, typical educational pathways, and workforce projections. This helps you understand how a given specialty fits into national demand trends.
- Explore resources from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), which publishes state-level practice data and maintains directories that can help you compare programs and understand Texas-specific scope of practice rules.
A Note on Degree Level
Not every specialty is available at every degree level. Some schools offer a particular concentration only within their DNP curriculum, while others provide it as an MSN track or a post-master's certificate. If you are considering a doctoral pathway, reviewing DNP prerequisites early can help you plan your timeline. If you already hold an MSN in one specialty and want to add another, a post-master's certificate can be a faster route than completing a full second degree. Confirm with each program which pathways are open for your target specialty before you apply.
MSN vs. DNP vs. Post-Master's Certificate: Which Path Fits?
Fort Worth-area nurses considering an NP credential can choose from three distinct pathways, each with different time commitments, costs, and career positioning. Texas does not require a DNP for nurse practitioner practice, but an increasing number of health systems in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex prefer doctoral preparation for leadership and clinical roles. Understanding these differences can help you pick the track that fits your schedule, budget, and long-term goals.
Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid for Fort Worth NP Programs
How much will an NP program actually cost in the Fort Worth area, and what help is available to manage the expense?
Tuition varies significantly between public and private institutions in the Fort Worth region. Public universities offer the most affordable pathways: the University of Texas at Arlington charges approximately $11,249 in state tuition for its MSN FNP program, while Texas Woman's University in nearby Denton lists approximately $8,520 in state tuition. Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls shows tuition around $8,198 for in-state students. Out-of-state students at these public institutions can expect tuition ranging from roughly $9,500 to $26,000, depending on the program.
Private institutions typically carry higher price tags. While specific tuition figures for Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan were not available in this dataset, private nursing programs in Texas generally range from $20,000 to $40,000 for the entire degree. When comparing total program costs, remember to factor in clinical travel expenses, exam fees, and any required campus visits if you are in a hybrid format.
Federal Loan Repayment and Service Programs
The HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program offers substantial support to NP graduates willing to work in underserved Texas communities. Eligible nurse practitioners can receive up to 60 percent of their qualifying student loan balance repaid after two years of full-time service, with the option to extend for a third year and receive up to 85 percent total repayment.1 The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is available to students enrolled in accredited nursing programs and covers tuition, required fees, and provides a monthly stipend in exchange for a service commitment after graduation.2
The NHSC Loan Repayment Program provides up to $75,000 for a two-year commitment, with a Students to Service track offering up to $120,000 over three years for those who commit before graduation.3
Texas-Specific Financial Aid
The Texas State Loan Repayment Program awards up to $25,000 annually to nurse practitioners who practice in designated shortage areas across the state.4 This program requires a three-year service commitment and is open to graduates with active, unrestricted Texas licenses. Many Fort Worth-area health systems, including JPS Health Network and Texas Health Resources, offer tuition reimbursement or loan assistance as part of their employment packages for new NP hires, particularly in primary care and underserved settings.
Clinical Placement and Preceptor Support in Fort Worth
One of the most practical questions you will face as you compare NP programs is whether the school arranges your clinical hours for you or leaves that work in your hands. In Fort Worth, the answer varies by program, and knowing that upfront can save you a lot of stress.
How Local Programs Handle Placement
Texas Wesleyan's FNP programs, at both the MSN and DNP level, follow a student-arranged model. You are responsible for finding preceptors for FNP rotations, though the school provides contact lists and handles the contracting paperwork on your behalf.1 Faculty will step in if you genuinely cannot secure a placement, which is a meaningful safety net. UTA's FNP program also relies on students to arrange their own clinical sites.2
TCU takes a more structured approach. The BSN-to-DNP FNP track maintains established relationships with Texas Health Resources, Cook Children's, and Harris Methodist, giving students a clearer path into nurse practitioner clinical rotations from the start.3
Major Health Systems That Host NP Students
The good news for Fort Worth-area students is that the regional health system landscape is substantial. NP students have placed at JPS Health Network, Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White, and Cook Children's, among others.1 These are large, multi-site systems, which means clinical opportunities exist across a range of specialties and patient populations.
Start Early and Use Your Employer Connections
Clinical placement competition across the DFW metro is real. The region has a high concentration of NP and PA programs, and preceptors are in demand. If you already work within one of these health systems, that relationship is an asset worth using early. Reach out to nurse managers or NP colleagues before your program requires it. Most programs recommend beginning your search one to two semesters ahead of your clinical start date.
Hours requirements give you a sense of the commitment involved. Texas Wesleyan's MSN-FNP and post-master's certificate each require 855 clinical hours, while the DNP-FNP requires 1,035 hours.1 TCU's BSN-to-DNP path sets the bar at 1,000 hours.3 Building those hours across strong clinical sites takes planning, and the earlier you start, the more options you will have.
Fort Worth NP Job Market and Salary Outlook
The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is one of the strongest NP job markets in Texas, fueled in large part by primary care shortages across Tarrant County's medically underserved communities. Major employers such as JPS Health Network, Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White, Cook Children's, and Medical City maintain steady demand for nurse practitioners across specialties. Here is a snapshot of the local landscape.
Additional NP Programs Worth Considering
Beyond the top-ranked programs, Fort Worth students also consider these additional schools. Many offer flexible online or hybrid formats and are within driving distance or popular among Texas residents. This directory includes schools from various regions across Texas, each with unique NP program offerings.
Austin Area
Texas State University San Marcos, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.N.)
Central Texas
Baylor University Waco, TX · Online
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care, Acute Care)
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP Track), BSN to DNP Degree
- BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
DFW Metroplex
Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX · Online
- Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Baccalaureate DNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Texas Woman's University Denton, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate: Nurse Practitioner (Women's Health)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Women's Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
East Texas
Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TX · Hybrid
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate
- MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Greater Houston
University of St Thomas Houston, TX · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Houston Christian University Houston, TX · Hybrid
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
North Texas
Midwestern State University Wichita Falls, TX · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
West Texas
Angelo State University San Angelo, TX · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso El Paso, TX · Hybrid
- Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Texas Panhandle
West Texas A & M University Canyon, TX · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Degree
- Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
- Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
San Antonio Area
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · On-Campus
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care)
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Schreiner University Kerrville, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
South Texas
University of Houston-Victoria Victoria, TX · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing family nurse practitioner track
